Last year’s storm caused significant damage to Quail Valley Road, with a major washout completely severing the connection between Eighty Eight Valley and SH6, and a second dropout near the Eighty Eight Valley end further compromising access.
Planning for reinstatement began back in October. Due to the steep bank above the washout, retreating the road was not feasible. Engineers determined the safest solution was to realign the stream and rebuild the missing road through substantial earthworks.
Work had to be delayed until summer stream flows dropped to safe levels, allowing the team to complete slip and stormwater channel works, along with installing a short section of riprap to stabilise the area.
The heavy work began in January, requiring simultaneous work at both damaged sites. Before heavy vehicles could access the main washout, four hazardous overhanging trees at the dropout site were removed. An access ramp was then cut into the river, toe rock installed one metre into the riverbed, rock armouring placed, and the road edge rebuilt using quarry run from Punawai.
At the main washout, bulk earthworks were carried out, and the road was rebuilt in compacted layers. Toe rock and rock armouring were installed as the road height was restored, and beam testing completed to confirm structural strength. Finally, road shaping, grading and installation of site rails was done ahead of reopening.
The project was wrapped up at the end of February, restoring full access through Quail Valley.